On this episode of The Breakdown, vocalist and 2017 NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater coaches three vocalists with varying levels of experience on her philosophy and concept behind the classic technique of “scatting” as a method of soloing as a singer. She stresses the importance of keeping the...

SFJAZZ’s all-star resident ensemble and composer’s workshop represents what’s happening now in jazz. Performing new works and fresh arrangements of classic material, the SFJAZZ Collective embodies the organization’s commitment to jazz as a living art form. For this world premiere collaboration at...

In honor of Cal Tjader’s centennial today!

July 2025 marks the centennial of the legendary vibraphonist, multi-percussionist, and composer Cal Tjader. In this Jazz Minute narrated SFJAZZ Collective vibraphonist Warren Wolf, we explore Tjader's lasting impact.

NEA Jazz Master and sax legend Charles Lloyd catches up with 2025 SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Don Was backstage during the 42nd San Francisco Jazz Festival, right before Lloyd went onstage. Don shares when he first heard Lloyd, and the two reflect on Brian Wilson (who recently passe...

How SFJAZZ Education cultivates the next generation of jazz artists & listeners

Help SFJAZZ develop the next generation of jazz giants: https://www.sfjazz.org/donate

SFJAZZ reaches young people in many ways throughout the Bay Area and beyond. While access to the arts may not be equitable for al...

Our Alone Together series is a celebration of spontaneous creation, presenting exclusive and unrehearsed duo performances captured live in the intimacy of the SFJAZZ Center. Whether they’re longtime collaborators or meeting on stage for the first time, these world class artists are improvisors of...

In a lively conversation with Terence Blanchard, pianist, composer and producer Patrice Rushen shares her perspective on the interconnectedness of all music. From Beethoven to Stevie Wonder, the Soul Train dance floor to improvisational jazz, she emphasizes that “it’s all one thing.” Blanchard al...